Montford Point Marines honored during ceremony

Thursday

Six Montford Point Marines were honored Thursday during a ceremony at Montford Point Marines Day.

Six Montford Point Marines were honored Thursday during a ceremony at Montford Point Marines Day.

Approximately 100 people attended the ceremony at the Bachelor’s Officers Quarters Parade Deck aboard Camp Johnson where Marines, sailors, family and friends witnessed the awarding of the six Congressional Gold Medals to former Montford Point Marines and family members.

“Camp Johnson, then called Montford Point, is where it all started,” said Col. David Jones, commanding officer of Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools Camp Johnson. “From an emotional standpoint sitting here, and those men coming through the gate and remembering... To see the changes, but more importantly, to see the integration: there are African Americans, Whites, Asians, Hispanics, people from all walks of life and even other countries that desire to serve the United States and desire to be a United States Marine. I know it warms their hearts and makes them sure of what they fought for so long ago.”

In 1942, Montford Point Camp was established as the World War II recruit training site for all black Marines. At its height, approximately 20,000 Marines walked through the camp’s gate to attend recruit training. It wasn’t until 1949 that President Harry Truman issued executive order 9981, which effectively ended segregation in the military.

The United States Congress passed Senate Resolution 587 in 2010 which designated Aug. 26 as Montford Point Marine Day. In 1942, Aug. 26 was the first day Marines arrived for training at Montford Point. Because of its historical significance, Camp Johnson hosted this year’s commemorative event.

Maj. Gen. Craig C. Crenshaw, commanding general of Marine Corps Logistics Command, also attended the ceremony as guest speaker in honor of the country’s first African-American Marines.

“We celebrate these contributions to American history,” Crenshaw said. “These were noble men. Men of unique character who had a special calling. They ask for little, but deserve a great deal. We are the beneficiaries, I am a beneficiary of their sacrifices.”

Jones said Montford Point Marines have a special place in the history of the country.

“They didn’t look to be heroes, they just wanted to be accepted as men and as Americans,” Jones said. “And that is what they are today, so it’s hugely emotional.”

Among the honorees was Geneva Pierce Clark, accepting a gold medal in honor of her late husband, Luther Samuel Clark who was one of the original Montford Point Marines.

Clark, who served in the Marine Corps for 21 years before retiring, trained at Montford Point in the mid-to-late-1940’s.

“I felt really proud today,” Geneva said. “I felt that he would have really appreciated what the government is doing for him. I think it’s a good thing that the government has started to recognize those Marines who were trained here.”

Geneva said her husband served in many different states and countries as well as the Vietnam War. She said that he spent the remainder of his career training Lieutenants who would eventually surpass him in rank.

“He loved the Marine Corps,” Gevenva said. “It’s a good thing that we are moving forward the way we should.”

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